Vision Rehabilitation Instructor I, The Hatlen Center

At Wayfinder Family Services, we understand the unique challenges facing some of our state’s most vulnerable children, youth and adults. Those with disabilities, those without a home of their own, those who have been abused and many, many more. We answer the call for them. We believe in the amazing potential in, and for, each and every one of them. And, together, we find a way to turn that potential into reality.  

Program and Role Summary

Wayfinder’s The Hatlen Center provides comprehensive residential rehabilitation programs for adults ages 18 and older who are blind or visually impaired, many with recent vision loss. Participants learn assistive technology, orientation and mobility, braille, and independent living skills. Each client pursues individualized goals that lead to a confident transition to an independent life and education or employment.

The primary focus of the Vision Rehabilitation Instructor I is to is to organize, develop, and implement individualized course instruction for blind and visually impaired adult students referred for braille instruction. In addition, your position provides supplemental instruction and support in Assistive Technology, Living Skills, and Financial Management as needed. Provides the instruction necessary to accomplish students’ objectives. Works as a cooperative member of The Hatlen Center instructional services team.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Coordinates with The Hatlen Center staff to reinforce the practical use of Braille when appropriate.
• Teaches Braille, when appropriate, using electronic note takers with refreshable Braille displays.
• Provides initial and ongoing assessment of student’s ability to both read and write Literary Braille, using the Hatlen Center Braille assessment and/or Braille Too, or other UEB assessment upon implementation of the UEB code.
• Assesses each client’s financial management skills and in collaboration with the client, develop goals to address the client’s individual financial management needs. Financial management includes medical needs, pre-vocational skills and social skills.
• Other duties as outlined in the position description

Education and Experience:

• Valid driver’s license. If driving a personal vehicle, must be approved by our agency’s automobile insurance carrier
• An associate's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university is preferred.
• Training and/or certifications in computer literacy with adaptive technology for the blind and visually impaired is preferred.
• Past accomplishments of providing instruction to the visually impaired in braille, computer technology, and independent living skills are required.

Benefits: Wayfinder is committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is both comprehensive and competitive which includes:

• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, 11 paid holidays, plus five winter holiday
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 4% 
• Employee referral program: Encourage your colleagues to join us
• Education tuition assistance program: Invest in your career development 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible
• Flexible spending account (FSA) plans 
• Eligibility and other benefits are outlined in plan documents

Additional Benefits Offered for this role:

• Training and professional development

Wayfinder Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We support a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment background and drug screenings.